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By DEB RIECHMANN, Associated Press – 5 mins ago
KABUL, Afghanistan – Spc. Bowe Bergdahl, the only known U.S. soldier held captive in Afghanistan, appears briefly in a newly released Taliban video standing next to a smiling insurgent commander who once threatened to kill him.
The 24-year-old from Hailey, Idaho, has bags under his eyes and what appears to be an abrasion on his left cheek in the footage. The video was the fourth to appear since he was captured nearly 18 months ago and was provided to reporters Wednesday by IntelCenter, a private, U.S.-based organization that tracks Islamic extremist activities and communications.
His parents, Bob and Jani, have declined to speak with reporters throughout the ordeal, but Idaho National Guard spokesman Col. Tim Marsano said Wednesday that they had confirmed that the man in the video was their son.
"They responded that it was him, based on the screen shots," Marsano said. "It's been an extremely difficult year and a half. Without any concrete news, everyday brings more challenges. They do continue to take some comfort in the support they've gotten, from the community, their family and friends."
NATO spokesman Brig. Gen. Josef Blotz said the coalition was not sure whether the footage was old or new. Bergdahl is seen wearing an Afghan-style, lightweight tan shirt, suggesting that the video was shot during warmer weather.
"We are still investigating this case and hope Bowe Bergdahl is still fine," he said."
My note: I have been following this loosely over time because I think the US and NATO officials decided to write him off from the first day.
It's sad that they would not BARTER. In short, exchange him for 9 or 10 taliban prisoners.
But the words of this General betray that NATO could CARE LESS about his fate! They are merely polite mincings. Nothing more.
This case is a minor one compared with for example, Victor Bout, the Russian national recently extradited to the US for no real reason except a big show.
I hope that good sense will prevail and Bout will be traded by American authorities for some Westerners held by Russia, if there are some.
This is the only way to operate in all such cases, in my opinion. It's practical and efficient.
As for Bergdahl, I predicted when he was first found by the Taliban that the worst he would suffer is protein deprivation.
Sure enough the pictures seem to confirm this ! He looks fine.
All the huge fuss about the Taliban mistreating or killing him is ridiculous. Based on Mullah Omar's former Eid Message, they are just upset that the US is not even interested in serious negotiations for their own national. Too bad, because the whole DRAMA - which is what the media easily turns it into - is a waste of everyone's time.
PS: the proper English is "They responded that it is HE". Not "him". Reminder for everyone!
KABUL, Afghanistan – Spc. Bowe Bergdahl, the only known U.S. soldier held captive in Afghanistan, appears briefly in a newly released Taliban video standing next to a smiling insurgent commander who once threatened to kill him.
The 24-year-old from Hailey, Idaho, has bags under his eyes and what appears to be an abrasion on his left cheek in the footage. The video was the fourth to appear since he was captured nearly 18 months ago and was provided to reporters Wednesday by IntelCenter, a private, U.S.-based organization that tracks Islamic extremist activities and communications.
His parents, Bob and Jani, have declined to speak with reporters throughout the ordeal, but Idaho National Guard spokesman Col. Tim Marsano said Wednesday that they had confirmed that the man in the video was their son.
"They responded that it was him, based on the screen shots," Marsano said. "It's been an extremely difficult year and a half. Without any concrete news, everyday brings more challenges. They do continue to take some comfort in the support they've gotten, from the community, their family and friends."
NATO spokesman Brig. Gen. Josef Blotz said the coalition was not sure whether the footage was old or new. Bergdahl is seen wearing an Afghan-style, lightweight tan shirt, suggesting that the video was shot during warmer weather.
"We are still investigating this case and hope Bowe Bergdahl is still fine," he said."
My note: I have been following this loosely over time because I think the US and NATO officials decided to write him off from the first day.
It's sad that they would not BARTER. In short, exchange him for 9 or 10 taliban prisoners.
But the words of this General betray that NATO could CARE LESS about his fate! They are merely polite mincings. Nothing more.
This case is a minor one compared with for example, Victor Bout, the Russian national recently extradited to the US for no real reason except a big show.
I hope that good sense will prevail and Bout will be traded by American authorities for some Westerners held by Russia, if there are some.
This is the only way to operate in all such cases, in my opinion. It's practical and efficient.
As for Bergdahl, I predicted when he was first found by the Taliban that the worst he would suffer is protein deprivation.
Sure enough the pictures seem to confirm this ! He looks fine.
All the huge fuss about the Taliban mistreating or killing him is ridiculous. Based on Mullah Omar's former Eid Message, they are just upset that the US is not even interested in serious negotiations for their own national. Too bad, because the whole DRAMA - which is what the media easily turns it into - is a waste of everyone's time.
PS: the proper English is "They responded that it is HE". Not "him". Reminder for everyone!
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